SMART Bus expands services in Oakland County, new routes for use

Marina Johnson and Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·4 min read
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SMART is expanding its bus services in Oakland County, adding over 60 new routes and stops − a move that broadens the reach of public transportation in metro Detroit following years of political gridlock over the bus system.

The current expansion marks a change for public transit in the region. In recent years, political opposition has limited the reach of this public transportation system across Oakland County.

The county previously operated under a fragmented system, with individual cities deciding whether to participate in the bus system. Auburn Hills City Council voted to leave the bus service in 2022, before a judge ruled against the city.

SMART bus also decided to close a stop in Pontiac last year, before quickly reversing the decision following public pushback.

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Attitudes toward the bus service in Oakland County began to shift in the November 2022 election, as county voters passed a transit millage for the first time.

According to a news release, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation has added 68 bus stops in cities such as Novi, Wixom and Bloomfield Hills.

Dwight Ferrell, general manager for SMART, said he’s excited about the expansions as they are long overdue.

"We are thrilled to kick off this round of expansions in Oakland County. It's a momentous occasion as we bring transit service to communities that have been underserved for far too long,” said Ferrell. “Our commitment to improving mobility options in the region is unwavering, and we are proud to get these buses on the road."

Extended routes

Three major routes were extended including:

  • Route 305 Grand River: The route was extended to Wixom and realigned to Grand River between Telegraph and 7 Mile. It operates Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The route has a 60-minute frequency with destinations such as the Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi Town Center, Wixom Meijer, Sam’s Club and Ascension Hospital.

  • Route 740 Twelve Mile: The route was extended to Wixom on weekdays and Saturdays. Operating hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday with shorter trips from Royal Oak to Roseville on Sunday. New destinations include Twelve Oaks Mall, West Oaks Center, Ascension Hospital, West Marke, and Wixom Meijer.

  • Route 805 Grand River Park & Ride: The route was extended to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Park & Ride lot at Beck Road and Twelve Mile. It will run during peak hours on weekdays and operates three morning and afternoon trips to and from downtown Detroit.

Added routes

  • 261 FAST Michigan: Stops were added at Merriman, Van Born Road and Michigan Avenue and Beech Daly Road.

  • 450 Woodward Local and 462 FAST Woodward: New stops were added at Woodward Aveenue and Long Lake Road. 450 Woodward Local runs hourly Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and every other hour on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with stops every quarter mile through Bloomfield Hills. 462 FAST Woodward runs hourly from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and every other hour on Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The route expansions are the result of the approval of the Oakland County Transit Millage last November.

Dave Coulter, Oakland County executive, said he’s proud of both SMART and Oakland County for making the changes.

“I’m very excited with the progress that has been made by SMART to expand public transportation and open up some of the biggest job markets in Oakland County to employers and the workers who will now have better access to their future careers,” said Coulter. “On this outstanding day, the Swiss cheese approach to public transportation – full of gaps and holes – is being filled with rides to Novi and Wixom, Bloomfield Hills and Farmington. Big congratulations are in order not only for SMART but also for the voters in Oakland County who made all this possible.”

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Oakland County expands SMART transportation options, new stops added